“Simula noong nangyari ang pandemic, humina ang kita ng mga vendors dito sa amin dahil walang gaanong laman ang mga tindahan kasi kulang ng pang-puhunan.”
This was the tough reality Rosita Tinio, a fruit and vegetable vendor from Dumaguete City, shared as the offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano visited the Negros Region to bring vital assistance to many residents.
Persistent in their mission to provide essential aid to Filipinos in need, the senators once again joined forces with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to support and provide livelihood opportunities to 580 residents on May 10 and 11, 2024, respectively.
In Bais City, Negros Oriental, 500 residents, including Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and various women’s groups, received essential aid through DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. A medical desk was also set up during the activity to provide healthcare assistance.
City Administrator Atty. Romela Napao was present in the activity on behalf of City Mayor Luigi Goñi who contributed to its success.
“Masaya po akong nakikita ang mga bata na walang sakit at masaya kahit na mahirap ang buhay. Salamat po, Senator Alan at Senator Pia. Malaking tulong po itong natanggap namin para sa aming pamilya,” said Sarah Jane Lacson, a proud BHW who finds fulfillment in serving and protecting children in their area.
In Dumaguete City, 80 fruit and vegetable vendors benefited from the partnership between the Cayetano siblings and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). They received support to enhance their livelihoods and increase their income.
Among the beneficiaries was the Dumaguete City Fruits and Vegetable Vendors Association. Its president, Lourdes Nalam, shared that it was the first assistance their group had ever received. She tearfully thanked the senators for reaching out to their group, a gesture she had not anticipated.
“Mula po sa aming grupo, nagpapasalamat po kami ng malaki sa inyo. Sana po ay pagpalain pa ho kayo para mas marami pa kayong matulungan. Stay healthy and God bless you!” she said.
DOLE representatives and local government officials played crucial roles in ensuring the success of the livelihood assistance in Dumaguete.
With a belief in the power of collaboration to build thriving communities, Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano have been partnering with institutions to reach underprivileged areas in the country, bringing assistance closer to as many Filipinos as possible.
